National Funding Opportunities

EPA has developed this guide of national funding resources to assist local and state governments, communities, and non-governmental organizations who are addressing the varied aspects of smart growth. Click here for state-specific resources.

Please note that this list is not an exhaustive compilation of all possible funding resources in the smart growth arena. It lists federal resources and directories of funding sources maintained by outside organizations.

Affordable Housing and Community Development

PolicyLink: Equity Tools
Includes an Affordable Housing Tool Group, with information on how to ensure access to good jobs and opportunities to save and build assets to increase community health and stability.

Brownfields

SMARTe: Sources of Money
Lists a variety of financing strategies used in site revitalization, including public grants, subsidized low-interest loans, revolving loan funds, bonds, taxes and special assessments, and private financing.

Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE)
CARE is a community-based program that works with county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. Some communities have used CARE funding for smart growth development projects.

U.S. EPA: Environmental Justice Grant Programs
Financial assistance to eligible organizations to build collaborative partnerships, identify local environmental and/or public health issues, and envision solutions and empower the community through education, training, and outreach.

Federal Highway Administration: Safe Routes to School
Allocated through state departments of transportation, Safe Routes to School funds are used to make it easier and safer for students to walk and bicycle to school. Eligible activities including the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of primary and middle schools.